China attracts international students with world-class universities and diverse funding. While the CSC Scholarship is well-known, numerous nonâCSC scholarshipsâfrom provincial/city programs to MOFCOM and university awardsâcan make studying in China affordable. This guide consolidates official details and strategy so you can target the right funding mix.
New here? Start with our Comprehensive Application Guide, explore Application Tips, and plan for Student Visa (X1/X2) and Payment in China.
Local Government Scholarships: Regional Powerhouses
Shanghai Government Scholarship (SGS)
Shanghai offers Type A full and Type B partial scholarships. Type A covers tuition, monthly living allowance, and medical insurance for graduate students; Type B provides tuition waivers for bachelor to PhD.
Apply via Shanghai universities during admission. Official info: SGS page.
Beijing Government Scholarship (BGS)
Partial or full tuition coverage for one academic year with annual reapplication. Processed by each Beijing universityâs international office.
Overview: BGS official page.
Jiangsu Jasmine Scholarship
Full and partial awards with tuition, accommodation subsidy, and living allowance. Apply through Jiangsu universities who recommend to the province.
Guidelines: Jasmine Scholarship information.
Zhejiang Provincial Government Scholarship
Multiâlevel awards (e.g., Class A ~ RMB 30,000/year). Useful alongside partial university funding.
Portal: Study in Zhejiang.
Other Notable Regional Programs
Guangdong, Shandong, Sichuan and other provinces maintain similar schemes. Always verify with your target universityâs international office.
Specialized and Thematic Scholarships
International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship
Administered by CLEC; covers tuition, accommodation, stipend, and insurance for MTCSOL and language programs.
Official site: CLEC scholarship.
Belt and Road Initiative Scholarships
University/municipal projects for students from BRI partner countries. Often full scholarships with living allowance and accommodation.
Examples: Xiâan City, Silk Road Program. Also see our detailed Belt & Road guide.
MOFCOM Scholarship
Targets professionals from developing countries; covers tuition, living expenses, resettlement fee, and roundâtrip airfare.
Info: MOFCOM scholarship (XJTU).
Maritime Silk Road Scholarships
Offered by coastal provinces/universities for marine sciences, maritime engineering, and trade.
UniversityâSpecific Scholarships
Most universities provide entrance awards to fullâride packages. Apply via the admissions portal; benefits vary (tuition waivers, stipend, housing).
Explore elite options via our guides to Tsinghua, Fudan, PKU, USTC, and XJTU.
Strategic Application Approach
Research Phase
For each target university, check university scholarships, relevant local government programs, and any thematic schemes you qualify for.
Documentation Preparation
Prepare transcripts, diplomas, language scores (HSK/IELTS/TOEFL), recommendation letters, and a tailored study plan. Keep naming/date formats consistent.
Timeline Management
Deadlines often fall DecâApr for September intake. Track all portals and submission methods.
Multiple Applications
Apply to all streams you are eligible for (e.g., a Shanghai universityâs SGS and its institutional award) to diversify chances.
Practical Tips for Success
Language Proficiency
Typical minimums: HSK 4+ for Chineseâtaught; IELTS 6.0/TOEFL 80 for Englishâtaught. Start early.
Academic Excellence
Maintain a strong GPA and obtain highâquality recommendation letters.
Research Alignment
For graduate applicants, align your interests with faculty strengths at the host.
Cultural Engagement
Show genuine interest in Chinese culture and exchangeâthis often differentiates finalists.
FAQs
Can I apply to multiple programs in parallel?
Yes, unless a host forbids parallel submissions. Always follow the hostâs rules.
What if my language score isnât ready?
Some hosts allow conditional admission with a deadline to submit HSK/IELTS/TOEFL.
Are flights covered?
Usually no. Budget for airfare, visa fees, insurance, and registration fees.